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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has expressed grief over the death of former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof Joe Irukwu.
Kalu, in a statement, on Monday, described the late Irukwu, who passed on last weekend, as a statesman, who gave his all in the service of his fatherland.
The deputy speaker described the deceased Igbo leader as Iroko, expressing regret that the late Irukwu died at a time when his experience and wise counsel were most needed in navigating Nigeria out of her present difficult situation.
“I am very saddened by this news and it is a heavy loss to the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a whole.
“Prof Irukwu was a fine gentleman, a statesman par excellence, a pan Nigerian, a democrat, an intellectual giant, who gave his all in the service of Nigeria and Africa.
“He was an insurance mogul and guardian, who played significant and frontline roles in the nurture and development of the insurance industry in Nigeria and Africa.
“The Igbo, in particular, will remember him as not just a former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, but an illustrious son, who was selfless, courageous, and firm in running and the promotion of a collegiate and focused Ohanaeze.
“His many front role capacities in law, academics, and insurance are self-evident. He was indeed an example of how a man can love and sacrifice for his people and nation. He will therefore be greatly missed by the nation,” Kalu stated.
The deputy speaker, while condoling the Irukwu family, people of Amokwe Item, the government and people of Abia State, amongst others, prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased.
